Crazy Fellow review: Aadi Saikumar returns to form with a decent, well-written entertainer

3/5

Story:

Abhi is a pampered youngster, born with a silver spoon, who lives life king-size. His brother and sister-in-law raise him like their own son but are anxious about his reckless ways. To help Abhi take charge of his future, his brother helps him bag a job at a software firm. From day one, he has issues with a colleague Madhu. Abhi and Madhu interact with each other through a dating app without knowing each other’s true identities. When they finally plan to meet, all hell breaks loose.

Review:

There are always a set of films you can savour better when watched with minimal expectations. You go with an open mind, don’t foresee what’s coming and end up returning surprised. Crazy Fellow, directed by debutant Phani Krishna Siriki, is just that surprise Aadi Saikumar’s career needed at the right time. The film, driven by a comedy-of-errors screenplay, is born out of a juicy conflict that arises over fake identities in an online dating app and the hilarious writing keeps you invested in the story.

However, the film’s start is slightly shaky. There’s no harm in introducing Abhi as a flamboyant, outgoing, spoilt youngster but the casual sexism in the characterisation sticks out like a sore thumb. His impulsive reactions in critical situations are undoubtedly funny though they could’ve been done with better taste even without affecting the film’s momentum. You look past those few niggles in Crazy Fellow because the writer-director displays a good knack for comedy even in the most unexpected situations.

The premise initially reminds you of films like Lovely (also starring Aadi) and Mujhse Fraaandship Karoge. Phani Krishna just uses these ideas as a base and gives them a different spin later. Playing well within the slapstick space, Crazy Fellow is driven by apt casting, neat performances - the boundaries of the characters are well-defined and the actors do justice accordingly. Just when you expect the film to take a predictable turn, a terrific pre-intermission twist turns the narrative over its head.

The screenplay is even sharper in the latter half and is more of a tribute to the Jandhyala, EVV Satyanarayana era where the very idea behind a scene is outrageously funny and well-written dialogues complement it. There are constant twists and turns in Abhi’s love life and you keep guessing where his heart lies. There’s good drama leading to the climax though the resolution is slightly simplistic - an open-ended narrative could’ve ensured a better aftertaste.

The distinction between your average comedy fare and Crazy Fellow is the importance it gives to its supporting characters. Narra Srinu, Vinodhini Vaidyanathan (and the actors who play Digangana and Mirnaa’s on-screen friends) are a riot and it’s their satirical response to the protagonists’ actions that contribute to the overall impact of the film. Sapthagiri and Anish Kuruvilla are passable in their brief roles.

The songs may not leave a strong impact though they invite some energy into the mix while they last and offer Aadi enough scope to showcase his dance moves. The film could’ve easily done away with the fight sequences and they don’t add much value to the result. On the whole, this is a decent attempt where the director has a fair understanding of the strengths of Aadi Saikumar and capitalises on them.

In terms of his looks, comic timing and screen presence, Aadi is at ease, enjoying himself and it shows. Digangana Suryavanshi and Mirnaa Menon bring an earthiness to their portrayal and possess a girl-next-door charm. Crazy Fellow is a good directorial debut for Phani Krishna Siriki. Despite relying on several cinematic liberties and coincidences, there’s enough intelligence in his writing. He picks his actors well and extracts measured performances from a majority of them.

Verdict:

Crazy Fellow is a good time-pass fare with an adequate dose of humour, uplifted by smart writing and decent performances. Aadi Saikumar finally gets a film that fits his persona well. Digangana Suryavanshi and Mirnaa Menon pitch in with realistic performances though Vinodhini Vaidyanathan is the true surprise package.